The do’s and don’ts of online dating

The do’s and don’ts of online dating

28 September, 2018by admin

Online dating can be a pretty overwhelming thing for folks, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. In fact, most people just struggle with where and how they start.

What site should you use? What profile information should you share? How much should you keep to yourself? What do you to when someone finally reaches out to you or more acutely – how do you reach out to people you’re interested in?

Today, we’re going to discuss some of the do’s and don’ts of online dating and what you can do to make sure you get off to the best possible start and set yourself up for continued enjoyment.

Let’s jump right in!

DO be safe

Being wary of people you meet online is not only okay; it’s advisable – especially in a quasi-romantic setting. While you don’t need to call in the FBI to do a background check, be sure you cross your t’s and dot your I’s as you would with anyone you’d meet for the first time.

Check their social media profiles; maybe even do an online search on them to see if there’s anything you should be concerned about. When it’s time for the date, meet in public, tell others where you’re going and when, and don’t tell your potential partner anything you don’t feel comfortable sharing.

Most of it is common sense, but it’s OK to be guarded. Safety and security is paramount in any relationship, so be sure to maintain yours.

DO be honest

When it comes to trying to find romance, this is the time to be a little selfish. You have needs that need to be met and make sure the person you’re going on a date with has the potential to fulfill those. Don’t go over the top of course, and have an open mind to a point – but if you hate spiders and he’s a tarantula aficionado – then it’s probably time to click the ‘next’ button.

Being up front and direct about what you’re looking for is the cornerstone of any strong relationship, so be honest!

Do be prepared to be let down at times

It happens to the best of us. Whether you build the expectations up too much in your own head or the other person does the job all on their own – online dating isn’t a perfect science. Maybe it’s even you – maybe you’ll get turned down or disappointed. And that can lead to feelings of embarrassment or rejection. Just keep forging forward and take things as they come. Trust us when we say – good things come to those who wait!

Don’t assume anything on a date

Don’t expect your date to be reaching for their wallet all night. It’s really nice if they do, but ask and always offer. Make sure you’ve got the activities financially covered on your own – just in case.

Don’t talk about your ex too much

“We just grew apart” will work fine for now. As time goes on, you’ll be able to share more – but the person you’re dating isn’t going to want to hear the blow by blow of how your last relationship blew apart and everything that went along with it. Be polite, answer the question simply – and when you feel compelled to add more to the story down the line, do so.

Don’t expect too much, too soon

Just because a date is set up, doesn’t mean you’re in a relationship. These things take time and it’ll take a little while to get to know each other. Sometimes that spark isn’t there even when you have everything in common. Let things evolve organically and simply roll with the punches. It sounds corny – but sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination.

At the end of the day, online dating can be a tremendously rewarding experience so long as you embrace it. Enjoy the attention and make the most of it. This is supposed to be fun, so soak it all in, learn, grow and hopefully love! Good luck!